Cavaliers Aim for Season Sweep of 76ers

Cleveland looks to extend its winning streak against Philadelphia at home

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Cleveland Cavaliers (39-25) host the Philadelphia 76ers (34-29) on Monday night, with the Cavs looking to complete a season sweep of their Eastern Conference rival. Cleveland has won the first three meetings between the teams this season, including a 132-121 victory over the 76ers in their only previous matchup in Cleveland. The 76ers will be shorthanded, missing key players Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, which could make it difficult for them to keep up with the Cavaliers' balanced attack.

Why it matters

This game is an important one for both teams as they jockey for position in the crowded Eastern Conference playoff race. The Cavaliers are currently in fourth place, while the 76ers are in sixth. A win for Cleveland would give them a season sweep and potentially some momentum heading into the final stretch of the regular season.

The details

The Cavaliers are coming off a 109-98 loss to the Boston Celtics on Sunday, while the 76ers are fresh off a 125-116 defeat against the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday. In the three previous meetings this season, the Cavaliers have covered the spread twice, with the road team going 3-0 ATS. Cleveland has been strong at home, posting a 21-12 record at Rocket Arena.

  • The game tips off at 7 p.m. ET on Monday, March 9, 2026.
  • The Cavaliers and 76ers have played three times already this season, with Cleveland winning all three matchups.

The players

Donovan Mitchell

The Cavaliers' star guard, who scored 30 points in the team's loss to the Celtics on Sunday.

Joel Embiid

The 76ers' All-Star center, who will miss the game due to injury.

Tyrese Maxey

The 76ers' starting point guard, who scored 31 points in the team's loss to the Hawks on Saturday but will also miss this game.

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What they’re saying

“We must find a way to compete without our top guys. It's going to be a challenge, but we have to step up as a team.”

— Doc Rivers, 76ers Head Coach (usatoday.com)

What’s next

The Cavaliers will look to extend their winning streak against the 76ers when the teams meet again on March 23 in Philadelphia.

The takeaway

This game will test the depth and resilience of the 76ers, who are facing a tough task in trying to defeat the Cavaliers without their two best players. Cleveland has the opportunity to further solidify its position in the Eastern Conference playoff race with a convincing win at home.